October 10, 2014

Perfect Picture Book Friday - You're Here!

Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!

I love getting to read piles of picture books and pick out the best of the best to share here, but every now and again I get the extra-special pleasure of being able to share a book written or illustrated by someone I know and admire and am lucky to count as a friend. Be assured - no matter who writes or illustrates the book, it only makes it onto Perfect Picture Book Friday if I really genuinely think it's perfect. So today I have the joy of introducing you to a book by a very talented illustrator. (She is also a talented writer, and I have no doubt we'll be seeing books where she is both the author and illustrator before long!) Those of you who hang out in the kidlit circles probably already know her well. Congratulations, Julie, on your first book-baby - it's here! oh, it's here! oh, it's finally here! :)

I hope you will all enjoy this sweet little picture book for newborns :)

Brief Synopsis: A new baby is welcomed with much anticipation of all the wonders and milestones the first year will hold.

Links To Resources: Just read this lovely story with infants to begin the tradition of reading together; read with older children and talk about their first year - all the things they did and when, and how wonderful it was, maybe share their baby journal if you kept one, or look at photographs of them as infants; read with new siblings to help them understand what they can expect from their new little brother or sister.

Why I Like This Book: The story is simple and sweet, and expresses beautifully the wonder and love and happiness of a new baby. It would make a perfect gift for any family with a newborn. If you are a parent, it will make you a little teary, thinking about when you first met your babies :) But the reason I love this book the most is the art. Julie Rowan-Zoch's sweet drawings are simply perfect for this story. The family, depicted as elephants, are just darling. The baby's rosy cheeks, delightful expressions and infant antics are picture perfect. Julie's art adds an extra layer of warmth and emotion to this little treasure of a book :)

PPBF bloggers please be sure to leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you! I can't wait to see what you've chosen this week! And I will not be surprised if someone else has chosen this book! :)

47 comments:

GOOD MORNING, SUSANNA! GOOD MORNING, WORLD! I am finally up early. :) It is my grandson's sixth birthday and we wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday before he goes off to school for the day.

What a beautiful book!!!! Thank you for sharing this...I had no idea that Julie R-Z had a book coming out (where have I been). I MUST get a copy (signed by the illustrator, of course...and the author, if possible) to give to my little granddaughter - it sounds like the kind of book her parents would love to read with her.

Congratulations to your friend; the cover is perfectly adorable! And you're right about sifting through stacks of books to find the perfect pick every Friday. A labor of love to be sure. Thank you, Susanna! Have a fantastic Friday.

This book looks entirely precious - can't wait to give a copy to my cousin, who is expecting any day now. It would be a perfect addition to a gift basket of soft blankets for swaddling! TY for sharing it with us!

I am SOOOO excited for Julie! I got all three of those books...am considering keeping them all though I know I should share the joy and gift them too. :) Maybe I'll feel generous closer to Christmas and buy some for others. Heh.

So excited that "It's Here" is here! And here on your blog! Doing a HUGE happy dance (in my mind) for Julie! The snippets of illustrations that I've seen just make my heart melt (and just your mention of parents getting a little teary made me teary ;) ) CONGRATULATIONS, JULIE! (And great post, Susanna!) I don't have a PB to share today, but I just HAD to come and celebrate "You're Here" !!!!

Hi Beth! So lovely to see you here! It is a moment for celebration, isn't it? It's always so lovely when one of our own has a moment like this :) I'm just as thrilled for you, getting an agent!!! I can't wait to read your first published book, even if it doesn't qualify as a picture book for PPBF :)

Oh! Happy Jeremy's birthday to you all! It brings to mind, "Now I am six and as clever as clever, so I think I'll stay six for ever and ever" from A.A. Milne :) I hope you all have a wonderful birthday day! And I'm so glad to be able to introduce Julie's darling book to you! It is the perfect new baby gift :)

Hip, hip, hooray for you Julie! I just want to grab one of the grandkids to cuddle and read this beautiful book, You're Here. Even though our seven, sweet grands are ages four to fifteen, Oma Sue enjoys reading with and listening to them read. Thank you Susanna.

Look what Alison, Kelly, Diane, Debbie and Donna gave me!

Look what Brooke gave me!

Look what Megan gave me!

About Me

Welcome to the wonderful world of writing for children! I am a writer, reader, animal-lover and chocolate enthusiast who lives on Blueberry Hill with my husband, kids, and dogs. Please check out my website at www.susannahill.com to learn more about my books and accompanying activities as well as lots of info for writers, teachers and parents.